Category Archives: City News

Community members invited to a public meeting for cannabis businesses

The City of Ventura will host a public meeting to hear from finalists applying for commercial cannabis business permits on Monday, July 18, 2022, at City Hall in the Community Meeting Room.

The community met will share comments or questions on proposed locations and applicants by joining the in-person meeting or sharing feedback online.

Brief presentations will be provided by each of the nine cannabis business permit finalists, which include one industrial and eight retail applicants. Each applicant will have ten minutes to present and address the online submitted questions or community concerns related to the location or application. Applicants are seeking to obtain one of the allotted three retail and 10 industrial permits.

“The City has embarked on an extensive evaluation to allow for responsible commercial business operations in our community,” said Community Development Director Peter Gilli. “We hope the public will continue to be part of this next phase in the approval process and bring us one step closer to bringing a new and viable industry to our City.”

The applicants presenting during the public meeting are the nine remaining finalists after receiving evaluations on combined criteria related to the business owners, neighborhood compatibility, community benefits, investment plans, and proposed locations.

In November 2020, voters approved a ballot measure for the taxation of cannabis in the City of Ventura. City Council approved a regulatory ordinance on February 24, 2021, allowing certain types of commercial cannabis businesses to operate in the City of Ventura with a cannabis business permit. The final selection of the business permit applicants will be completed by City Manager Alex D. McIntyre and is expected in the months following the public meeting.

To learn more about the application process, applicant rankings, locations map, or to submit public comments or concerns in advance of the public meeting, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/Cannabis.

Upcoming public workshop for Climate Action and Resiliency Plan

Ventura Calif. – Community members are invited to take part in the City of Ventura’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP). There are two opportunities to get involved on Wednesday, July 20, and Thursday, July 21. The workshops will be held in the City Hall Atrium located at 501 Poli Street and will include live Spanish interpretation.

The City of Ventura’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP) is a roadmap aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preparing the community for potential impacts of climate change. Community members are encouraged to share ideas for improving energy and water efficiency, reducing pollution, and adapting to a changing climate. The CARP will also address state requirements of reducing GHG emissions to below 40% by Senate Bill (SB) 32.

This summer the City will host two public workshops to solicit feedback on proposed strategies. The CARP will incorporate information from stakeholder meetings, public workshops, and surveys to develop a plan that reflects the values and vision of the community. The Ventura City Council has demonstrated the importance of this policy by identifying a comprehensive integration of the CARP into the City’s General Plan in the council’s goals for fiscal year 2022-2023.

The City of Ventura currently has robust programs dedicated to energy efficiency and emissions reductions. Recently, the City established its Food Waste Recycling Program, in compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 1383, with the goal of diverting organic waste from landfills and reducing GHG emissions. Additionally, the City of Ventura works directly with local businesses and schools to improve resource efficiency and implement waste reduction practices.

The City of Ventura joined 29 other cities in offering clean, renewable energy by the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) in February 2018 to its residents. The City of Ventura also embarked on its Energy Action Plan to establish energy reduction targets, lowering GHG, and increasing energy efficiency.

Learn more about the CARP, explore education materials, and ways you can get involved with the General Plan Update at www.PlanVentura.com.

Nomination filing period open for Ventura City Council candidates

Registered voters in the City of Ventura will have the opportunity to elect City Councilmembers from Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 during the 2022 General Municipal Election on November 8, 2022. The election is consolidated with the Ventura County Statewide General Election.

On July 18, the City Clerk’s Office will hold an informational session to discuss the necessary steps for running for City Council at 5:00 p.m. in Room 205 at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street. The nomination filing period for council candidates opens July 18 – August 12, 2022. Elected City Councilmembers will each serve a four-year term in Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6.

To apply, candidates must be 18 years or older as well as reside and be a registered voter in the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued, pursuant to Elections Code 10227.

Interested individuals must pull and receive nomination papers in advance from the City Clerk’s Office during office hours, which is open Monday – Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. An appointment is required. City Hall is closed to the public on alternating Fridays.

Termination of residency in a district by a member of City Council shall create an immediate vacancy for that Council district unless a substitute residence within the same elected district is established within 30 days after the termination of residency.

To schedule an appointment, contact City Clerk Michael MacDonald in the City Clerk’s Office during the nomination period by calling (805) 658-4787 or sending an email to [email protected] . For information on the 2022 General Municipal Election, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Elections.

Firefighters’ Ball honors and celebrates Ventura City Firefighters

Money raised will be used to support the Ventura Fire Foundation’s programming. Photos by Mary Thompson

The Ventura Fire Foundation, in partnership with the Ventura City Fire Department, celebrated the Ventura City Firefighters at the 2022 Firefighters’ Ball, presented by Flying Embers. The event was held on June 10, at the Olivas Adobe. Firefighters in their Class A uniforms, and their spouses attended an evening of recognition, camaraderie, and celebration.

The actions of five sworn personnel and one civilian employee were recognized by the Ventura Fire Department and the Ventura Fire Foundation. Additionally, thirty-six employees were promoted, and forty-seven Lifesaving Medals were distributed for excellent service to the City of Ventura.

“The City is blessed to have so many exemplary firefighters and staff who go above and beyond to serve our community. They provide all-hazards emergency response, perform life-saving actions each day, and often times provide care and compassion to people on their toughest day,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “This year’s event was extra special as it was the first time we’ve gathered to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of our team.”

Engineer Eric Craddock received the Firefighter of the Year award for his dedication to fire and rescue training, leading the oversight at the Fire Training grounds, and embodying the highest standards of the fire service.

The Greg Andrews Safety Award, recognizing a continued commitment to ensuring a safer workplace for all, was presented to Firefighter-Paramedic James Kenney.

Kenney devoted hundreds of hours on developing maps for crew responses to several of Ventura’s large complexes. Without these critical maps and level of detail required to design them, lifesaving minutes navigating buildings would be lost.

The Nancy Merman Paramedic of the Year honor was awarded to Engineer Kyle Tong. “Kyle has worked tirelessly on grant opportunities for the department, including a grant where we were able to purchase LUCAS CPR devices for each apparatus,” said Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Heather Ellis. “He has trained every firefighter on this device. His is a true asset to our agency.”

Captain Mark Nielsen and Firefighter-Paramedic William Nackers were both honored for exceptional duty for their ingenuity in providing life-saving service, going above and beyond the call of duty, and upholding the department’s core values.

Finally, Danielle Motherspaw was recognized as the Fire Prevention Employee of the Year. Danielle provides exceptional service with a smile, can be called upon at any time to assist a coworker, and demonstrates pride in producing quality work.

Health and safety restrictions and a shift in priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the annual ceremonies honoring excellent service and the promotions of employees since 2019.

“We are incredibly excited to celebrate Ventura City firefighters, and join the City in honoring their achievements,” said Joe Booth, executive director of the Ventura Fire Foundation. “The past two years have been especially difficult for first responders and their families, so we are eager to have a night of fun.”

For more information about the Ventura Fire Department, visit www.VenturaCityFire.com.

Arroyo Verde Park’s inclusive playground receives Project of the Year Award

Arroyo Verde Park’s main play structure was destroyed in the Thomas Fire.

The recently completed first-ever inclusive playground in Ventura at Arroyo Verde Park received the 2021 Project of the Year Award from the Ventura County Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in the structures category for its safety performance, effective construction management, environmental considerations, and community outreach.

During the City Council meeting on May 9, APWA Ventura County director at large Andrew Grubb shared that, “this project stood out for its inclusive play area with unique considerations to children with sensory and cognitive needs along with the community support and donations received for the playground’s replacement after the Thomas Fire.”

The APWA Project of the Year Award distinguishes the project’s efficient and effective construction management techniques, schedule mitigation amid COVID-19 supply chain challenges, construction management, control techniques, jobsite safety practices, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability.

The 10,750 square foot play area at Arroyo Verde Park features a colorful play surface, new landscaping, gathering areas, swings, hammocks, balance beams, a sensory garden, a motion-inclusive carousel, embankment climbers, and music play areas. It also features a sensory wall with recognition tiles dedicated to those who donated to the project.

In December 2017, Arroyo Verde Park’s main play structure was destroyed in the Thomas Fire. Rather than rebuilding the same structure, the City of Ventura decided to re-imagine the space and create the first fully inclusive play area in Ventura; a space where the community could have fun together without barriers.

The Parks and Recreation Department engaged with the community to understand which features they would most like included in the rebuild. Families, community members, medical professionals, and playground manufacturers were included in the playground design conversations. Extensive renderings and options were presented at neighborhood council meetings, and community feedback was gathered to capture the heart and soul of the project.

To learn more about this project, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/AVP.

Ventura Police bring back Neighborhood Watch

The Ventura Police Department (VPD) encourages residents to take an active role in crime prevention, reduction, and reporting by starting a Neighborhood Watch group.

The Ventura Police Neighborhood Watch Program is a crime prevention effort that relies on an active partnership between residents and the officers who patrol those neighborhoods. The goal of the program is to reduce crime through education, increased neighborhood reporting, and improved communication among neighbors.

“Many criminals are opportunists,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “Neighbors that are willing to communicate and interact with each other are better able to identify and report suspicious activity and safeguard their homes, ultimately preventing criminal activity.”

By forming a group and participating in Neighborhood Watch, residents will get to know neighbors who live nearby as well as learn how to:

  • Recognize and report crimes and suspicious activities
  • Better protect their homes and those of their neighbors
  • Identify quality of life concerns and crime in the area and work proactively with VPD staff to solve issues

Neighborhood Watch does not give residents the power to take law enforcement action when observing suspicious activity. The Ventura Police Department does not encourage residents to “patrol” neighborhoods or put themselves at risk. Community members are the extra eyes and ears of the Ventura Police Department and should report suspicious activity.

To learn more about the Neighborhood Watch Program, please visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/NeighborhoodWatch.

Ventura Fire Department announces Brett Reed as Fire Marshal

As the City’s Fire Marshal, Brett will oversee community risk reduction programs.

After a highly competitive, open recruitment process, the Ventura Fire Department has selected Brett Reed as its new Fire Marshal.

“Brett is a lifelong student of fire prevention, risk reduction, and leadership,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “He has a proven track record of developing, implementing, and leading progressive change and holds himself and those around him to the highest standards.”

As the City’s Fire Marshal, Brett will oversee community risk reduction programs in the department’s Fire Prevention division. These programs include development plan review and inspections, state-mandated occupancy inspections, defensible space inspections, and fire cause investigations.

“I am incredibly excited to continue my service to Ventura as the fire marshal,” said Brett. “It’s an honor to serve a city that I love, and in a role that is vital to ensuring community safety. I look forward to continuing to provide the preventative, high-quality service to our community members.”

Brett has a strong background in risk reduction and has completed State Fire Inspector Training, National Fire Academy fire inspection principles, fire and arson origin, and cause determination courses, and is a certified International Code Council Inspector and Plans Examiner.

Prior to being selected as the fire marshal, Brett served as a fire prevention specialist and the fire prevention supervisor with Ventura Fire. He has also worked in Mono County as a firefighter, fire engineer, emergency medical technician (EMT), inspector, and hazardous materials specialist.

For more information about the City’s Fire Prevention Division and programs, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FirePrevention.

Celebrate the 4th of July at Ventura’s Annual Parade & Street Fair

Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns to the Downtown District on Monday, July 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year’s event theme is “2022: Red, White & Blue!”

The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into Downtown Ventura, leading into the Street Fair.

Both events are free to attend. Bikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons are welcome to participate in the parade. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.

The street fair features arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, a car exhibit, and family-friendly activities. Downtown businesses and restaurants will also be open as part of the Main Street Moves program.

The Downtown Ventura Partners Organization presents live entertainment stages with local bands and community group performances at Mission Park and at the intersection of California Street and Main Street. Several smaller stages will also be placed throughout the event featuring acoustic artists.

Visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/StreetFair for more details. For event questions, contact Recreation Coordinator Allyson DesBaillets at [email protected] or (805) 654-7749.

Ventura police officers carry the torch for the Special Olympics

Photos by Michael Gordon

Over 30 Ventura Police officers and staff participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on Tuesday, June 7, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. as the “Flame of Hope” made its way through Ventura. The run started at the steps of the Ventura City Hall.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest awareness and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. In Southern California, it consists of nine different legs, ranging from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Legs are completed in conjunction with Special Olympics athletes and various members of law enforcement agencies from throughout the region.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Corporal Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “I run each year for inclusion, awareness, fundraising, and camaraderie. “It’s just icing on the cake when community members come out to cheer us on.”

Community members interested in supporting the cause can support financially by making a donation to “Team Ventura PD” at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/LETR.